We lift up this heavy burden before the Lord, knowing that bitterness and unforgiveness are like chains that bind the heart, while forgiveness is the key to freedom in Christ. The Scriptures warn us clearly in Hebrews 12:15 to be careful "lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it." ###’s heart is at risk of hardening if she clings to this resentment, and we must pray earnestly for her release from this snare. The Lord commands us in Colossians 3:13, "bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do." Forgiveness is not an option for the believer—it is a command, and it is the pathway to peace.
Yet we also grieve for ###, your son, who has turned away from God and severed ties with his family over political and spiritual differences. This is a deep sorrow, and we know the pain of a prodigal child cuts to the soul. But let us remember that no heart is too hard for the Lord to soften. Ezekiel 36:26 declares, "I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh." We claim this promise for ###, praying that the Holy Spirit would convict him of his rebellion and draw him back to repentance. The Lord is patient, "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Let us not lose hope, for our God specializes in redemption.
As for ###, her struggle is real—seeing ### regularly must stir up pain, especially knowing his current state. But we must remind her (and ourselves) that unforgiveness does not punish the offender; it poisons the one who harbors it. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." This is a sobering truth. ###’s forgiveness is not about excusing ###’s choices but about obeying God and protecting her own soul from the corruption of bitterness.
We also recognize the spiritual battle at play here. Political and spiritual differences are often smokescreens for deeper strongholds of pride, rebellion, or even demonic influence. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Let us pray with authority, binding the enemy’s lies and declaring God’s truth over ###’s life. May the Lord break every chain of deception and open his eyes to the truth of the Gospel.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up ### and ### with burdened yet hopeful hearts. Lord, we ask that You would soften ###’s heart and replace her bitterness with Your supernatural forgiveness. Remind her, Holy Spirit, that forgiveness is not a feeling but an act of obedience—a choice to release the debt, just as You have released us in Christ. Break the power of resentment in her life and fill her with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Let her encounters with ### be opportunities for her to extend grace, not as a doormat, but as a vessel of Your love.
Father, we also plead for ###. You know the depths of his heart, the wounds, the pride, and the lies he has believed. Lord, we ask that You would pursue him relentlessly, as the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep. Convict him of his sin, not to shame him, but to bring him to repentance and restoration. Surround him with believers who will speak truth in love. Break the strongholds of rebellion and political or spiritual pride that have blinded him. Let him remember the faith of his youth and the love of his family. Draw him back to You, Lord, and in doing so, restore him to his family.
We also pray for ###’s marriage, that You would protect it and use it as a tool for his sanctification. May his wife be a godly influence, and may their union reflect Your design for marriage—a covenant that points to Christ and the Church. If there is any ungodly influence in his life through his wife’s family, we ask that You would expose it and sever its power. Let ###’s heart be turned toward You, and in turning to You, let him also turn toward his parents with humility and love.
Lord, we ask for wisdom for this entire family. Give them words to speak, silence when needed, and a love that covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Let this trial be a testimony of Your redeeming power, not just for ### and ###, but for all who witness it.
We rebuke the enemy’s schemes in this situation. Satan desires to steal, kill, and destroy, but You, Lord, have come to give life abundantly (John 10:10). We declare that no weapon formed against this family will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We bind the spirits of bitterness, division, rebellion, and pride, and we loose the spirits of forgiveness, unity, repentance, and humility. Let Your will be done in ###’s life and in ###’s heart.
Finally, Father, we thank You that You are at work, even when we cannot see it. We trust in Your timing and Your goodness. Strengthen this family to wait on You, to pray without ceasing, and to love without hypocrisy. May Your name be glorified in this situation, and may ###’s story become a testament to Your mercy.
In the powerful and saving name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
